During Police Week 2019, officers gathered together for an emotionally charged tribute to the families of law enforcement officers lost to suicide. Learn how one organization is taking action to build awareness about suicide, take steps to prevent it, and care for families after a police suicide.

Less than three months after retiring from his 30-year career in law enforcement, Kim Colegrove's husband took his own life. Read more about Kim and David's story, how to recognize signs of trauma and PTSD, and the importance of reaching out for help.

Having been in law enforcement for many years, I have seen fellow police officers struggle with stress, financial problems, family life-changing events, time management issues, PTSD, and several other issues that affect their mental health. Whether you are a coworker or family member, we all must recognize the warning signs or symptoms of depression and distress and then help those who are impacted. In recognition of May as Mental Health Month, read more about common signs and symptoms of someone who may have a mental health condition.

Being a police officer has never been easy, but recent events have made it even more difficult to be an officer. Incidents like Ferguson and Baltimore have put officers and agencies under severe public scrutiny. These highly publicized events have served as a wake-up call for many agencies to enhance officer training, improve policies and procedures, and revitalize community relations.

The public cannot let these events overshadow the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice made by our nation’s law enforcement officers. May 10-16 is National Police Week 2015, a time to show gratitude for those officers who died on the job. It is also a time to thank current officers who continue to dedicate their lives to protecting our communities.

Depression in police work is a silent killer. Depression can be stealthy, even for the most resilient officer, and can take a physical and mental toll on the mind and body if it goes unrecognized and untreated. Unfortunately, the silence within police culture discourages the acknowledgment of depression and mental illness. This silence cannot continue.

By Mark Bond, Faculty Member, Criminal Justice at American Military University

The police profession can no longer ignore the silent suffering of its officers. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is real, and it is a lot more common among first responders than initial indications.

Earlier this year I wrote an article about mental health in law enforcement. The National Study of Police Suicides (NSOPS) released a report in January 2013 that found suicide was once again the leading cause of police deaths in 2012. While suicide rates were down by 14% from 2009 (the last time this survey was conducted), the fact remains that suicides are too prevalent.

About American Military University

AMU is the nation’s largest provider of online higher education to the U.S. military, and offers more than 190 degree and certificate programs including Homeland Security, Intelligence Studies, Emergency & Disaster Management, Criminal Justice, and more.